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Page 428
you also, that although I will strive with all my power to help and protect a faithful vassal, I will not mitigate the punishment of an unfaithful one by so much as a hair.''
Sir Robert merely nodded acceptance, his mouth being too full of meat pasty to make a reply practical. Ian gnawed the ends off the thigh bone of the fowl and sucked experimentally at the marrow. He heard the battle leaders urging their men to form up. Sir Robert heard also. He swallowed hastily, gulped down the remains of his wine, sketched a salute to Ian, and went off to attend to his assigned duties. Owain and Geoffrey appeared by the side of the tent with Ian's shield and helmet. He got to his feet and smiled at them.
"Owain, you will hold your place by my left shoulder. Do not be carried away. If a blow takes me on that side, God help you."
"He will need to, my lord, for I will be sore hurt or dead. I will not fail you."
"No, I do not suppose you will. Now, Geoffrey, you may draw your sword if you wish, but you may use it only to defend yourself at need. I do not wish you to become embroiled in the fighting. You must be free to carry messages for me. In such a battle, where the parties are hidden from each other, this is a most singularly necessary task. It is dangerousI am sorry for thatbut you are fittest for it. You are a small target and light on your feet. I tell you again, your first duty is to deliver the message and bring back a reply. Do not stop to help the wounded or try to save a man overmatched by others. This may be a hard thing, for you will doubtless see pitiful sights that you might amend or avert, but that is not your purpose. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord."
There was disappointment in the young face. Doubtless Geoffrey had envisioned himself a full-blooded warrior. He was not far off at that, Ian thought. Geof-

 
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